Academic Support Assistant

Here at Bournemouth & Poole College, we have a position available for an Academic Support Assistant on a term time only, permanent basis. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £9,872.17 - £18,677.07 per annum (£24,263 per annum FTE).

At Bournemouth & Poole College our staff are passionate and committed to achieve the very best outcomes for our students – we transform lives. We recognise and value our people as our most important asset in achieving each of the strategic outcomes within our College's Strategic Plan. We believe it is through our people that an excellent student experience will be delivered, and this will have a positive impact in our local community. We value inclusion and we are committed to the promotion of equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring we have a diverse, skilled, and motivated workforce who are empowered and engaged.

The Academic Support Assistant Role:

As our Academic Support Assistant, you will ensure that students with additional needs are provided with a positive and supported learning experience. Academic Support Assistants enable students with additional needs to successfully complete their programme of study; helping students by working in conjunction with teaching staff to provide support on an individual or small group basis.

Responsibilities as our Academic Support Assistant will include:

• To work under the direction of teaching staff (class tutors and specialist practitioners) to provide high-quality specialist support.
• Specialisms will include English and maths support, support for learners with Autism and/or support for learners with specific learning disabilities.
• To encourage and support students to develop their skills in working independently.
• To provide necessary support during teaching sessions, including helping the student to interpret notes, checking understanding of vocabulary, recapping learning.
• To provide tailored support outside of the classroom as required; this may take place as a support session in the Study Centre.
• To develop strategies to support student organisational skills, for example - prioritising tasks in order to meet assignment deadlines.
• To work flexibly in supporting and preparing students for exams of all types; to act as a reader, scribe or invigilator.
• To undertake any training that is deemed mandatory or of relevance to the role.
• To complete administrative duties as required e.g. writing up session reviews, contributing to annual reviews and recording progress using online systems such as Pro Monitor.
• Where agreed and where appropriate training has been undertaken, to provide personal care as required in line with risk assessment outlined in the student's medical or personal care support plan.
• Ability to work with students with a variety of medical needs as required in line with the risk assessment outlined in the student's medical IHCP.

As our Academic Support Assistant, you'll ideally have:

• GCSE 4-9 (or equivalent Level 2) English and Maths.
• Experience in using online record keeping systems.
• Experience in the effective use of email and online calendar systems.
• Experience in engaging with a range of individuals at all ages and academic levels.
• An understanding of additional learning needs and disabilities.
• Broad knowledge of both academic and vocational curriculum and delivery models.
• Knowledge of basic Microsoft packages such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Zoom.
• Knowledge of safeguarding.
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications.

Benefits you will receive:

• 27.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30.5 after 5 years' service.
• Up to 4 days additional leave during the Christmas closure period.
• Access to Discount Schemes at multiple retailers.
• Enrolment into the NEST Pension Scheme.

Closing Date: 01 December 2025. Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks which includes an enhanced DBS check as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK.